Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Web Communication: Let's Kick It Up a Notch
The Web is by far one of the most exciting changes to the communications industry. Think about it, publishing something that will not only reach your community, but the whole wide world!
Yes, I love the Web and I need to cut back on my caffeine.
For the next couple of weeks, we are going to dissect good Web communications. We will look at email alerts, email newsletters, Web pages and Web sites. If you want to get your feet wet in design and development, we will also have a few sessions on basic html and Web design.
Let's look at some sites that I've worked on or developed.
Email newsletters: I will be sending each of you email newsletters that I subcribe to and those that I have created. Please check your inbox later today or before class Thursday.
Web sites, information rich: 2theadvocate.com
I worked as the managing editor of this site from its start until 2004. The best to be said about it is that it's a BUNCH of information. Organization and flow are important when dealing with sites with information overload and are constantly changing.
Web sites, gadgets and moving: The Web home of Heath Watson
I just lauched this client's site last week. Not a lot of information, but some bells and whistles that you would not find on larger sites with a lot of information. I want to show how the "wow" factor can be cheap if you take advantage of free Web space. Notice the domain www.heathwatson.org only shows briefly before "redirecting" to freebie Web space through a Cox Cable account.
Web pages, short and sweet: These are not for clients, but organizational PR pieces. Note that a Web page is a single page and sites have more than one page and need "navigation" on each page to get from one page to another.
http://members.cox.net/franspencer/ohla/index.html
http://members.cox.net/franspencer/noowalk/index.html
I'm using my own material because it's easier explain how something was put together. I'm pretty thick-skinned so you don't have to be afraid to say you don't like something or the colors suck; it's a part of learning.
What are your Web homes: Where do you hang out on the Internet?
I would like each of you to create a post and list the Web sites you frequent regularly. Please list the URLs (Web addresses) and give me some feedback on why you like the sites and go back regularly. This doesn't have to be news or resource sites.
This is a Hip Hop culture site and technically and content-wise, it's awesome. The girls could wear a little more clothes for my tastes, but I give it high marks for development. This would be entertainment-based Web communication:
http://www.thesource.com/
Thursday we will look at your site preferences and outline a new course direction to include more Web development. Next week, we will not be meeting in Stewart Hall. We will look at Web technology in the Technology Services department. You will be given plenty of time to adjust to this new location.
Yes, I love the Web and I need to cut back on my caffeine.
For the next couple of weeks, we are going to dissect good Web communications. We will look at email alerts, email newsletters, Web pages and Web sites. If you want to get your feet wet in design and development, we will also have a few sessions on basic html and Web design.
Let's look at some sites that I've worked on or developed.
Email newsletters: I will be sending each of you email newsletters that I subcribe to and those that I have created. Please check your inbox later today or before class Thursday.
Web sites, information rich: 2theadvocate.com
I worked as the managing editor of this site from its start until 2004. The best to be said about it is that it's a BUNCH of information. Organization and flow are important when dealing with sites with information overload and are constantly changing.
Web sites, gadgets and moving: The Web home of Heath Watson
I just lauched this client's site last week. Not a lot of information, but some bells and whistles that you would not find on larger sites with a lot of information. I want to show how the "wow" factor can be cheap if you take advantage of free Web space. Notice the domain www.heathwatson.org only shows briefly before "redirecting" to freebie Web space through a Cox Cable account.
Web pages, short and sweet: These are not for clients, but organizational PR pieces. Note that a Web page is a single page and sites have more than one page and need "navigation" on each page to get from one page to another.
http://members.cox.net/franspencer/ohla/index.html
http://members.cox.net/franspencer/noowalk/index.html
I'm using my own material because it's easier explain how something was put together. I'm pretty thick-skinned so you don't have to be afraid to say you don't like something or the colors suck; it's a part of learning.
What are your Web homes: Where do you hang out on the Internet?
I would like each of you to create a post and list the Web sites you frequent regularly. Please list the URLs (Web addresses) and give me some feedback on why you like the sites and go back regularly. This doesn't have to be news or resource sites.
This is a Hip Hop culture site and technically and content-wise, it's awesome. The girls could wear a little more clothes for my tastes, but I give it high marks for development. This would be entertainment-based Web communication:
http://www.thesource.com/
Thursday we will look at your site preferences and outline a new course direction to include more Web development. Next week, we will not be meeting in Stewart Hall. We will look at Web technology in the Technology Services department. You will be given plenty of time to adjust to this new location.
